Milestone as Carer Positive recognises 100th employer

Aileen Campbell presents their Carer Positive certificate to staff at Young Scot

Young Scot are the 100th employer to be recognised under a Scottish Government scheme as giving extra help and support to employees who are carers.

The Carer Positive scheme – administered by Carers Scotland on behalf of Scottish Government – encourages businesses to demonstrate their commitment to supporting employees who provide care and support for elderly or disabled relatives. It is estimated that there are 788,000 people in Scotland caring for a relative, friend or neighbour, 44,000 of them under the age of 18.

The scheme now covers organisations with 300,000 employees across the public, private and third sectors. Carers are supported through their employers' awareness and moves such as flexible working, but employers also benefit by retaining experienced workers and reducing staff absences.

Carers make an immense contribution to society, providing millions of hours of unpaid care a week.

We want to ensure they get the support they need to have a life alongside their caring, and look after their own wellbeing. With carers making up a significant proportion of our working population, it is important that employers do what they can to support them.

I am delighted Carer Positive has reached this significant milestone.

The Young Scot award was a particularly important occasion, when 2018 marks the Year of Young People, ensuring we recognise and celebrate young people, and support all of them to achieve their full potential.